Collection Descriptions and Availability
General Research
Whatever you’re interested in researching— grist mills, abandoned towns, Civil War history, one-room schools, oldest trees in the county, historic homes and farms— chances are we have a resource to assist you.
Genealogical Research
Tracing family history has become a popular pastime for both adults and children and our friendly staff can help with your local genealogical research.
Manuscript Collection
Primary source documents such as journals, ledgers, maps, scrapbooks, and family papers are stored in the Manuscript Room. White-gloved access is available Wednesday through Friday (9:30 – 4:00). Be sure to bring your driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification.
Newspapers
The Society owns an extensive collection of local newspapers, including the most complete set of The Democratic Advocate (1842-1972). Other major collections include: The Carrolltonian (1833-1844), Union Bridge Pilot (1899-1972), American Sentinel (1855-1928) and Carroll County Times (1911-1973).
Photographs
Nothing captures history like a photograph, and we have an extensive collection organized by subject (e.g., Architecture, Civil War, Westminster Businesses) and by family name. Photographs are available on Tuesday – Friday (9:30 – 4:00). An appointment with the Curator is required for access to any materials in the Photograph Collection.
Scholarly Research
The Historical Society welcomes and encourages students and scholars wishing to use its collections for research in the preparation of academic reports and scholarly publications.
Special Topics
The library maintains reading materials on special topics related to the area’s history. We have general texts and local reports on archaeology; files on the history of local churches; duplicate materials compiled by the Maryland Historical Trust on the architecture of Carroll County; and sources to aid the home-owner engaged in restoration projects.
The Arthur G. Tracey Collection
The Historical Society is privileged to own a unique collection of research materials comprised of file cards, drawings, surveyors’ books and maps of early land patents and settlement patterns in Western Maryland (Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties). This collection represents the lifetime work of Dr. Arthur G. Tracey and Dr. Grace Tracey, authors of Pioneers of Old Monocacy: The Early Settlement of Frederick County, Maryland, 1721-1743. Their publication is based on these one-of-a-kind research materials.
Online Resources
The Society suggests you use online resources in planning your research before visiting the library. While we encourage you to visit and spend time with us to conduct on-site research, we realize that is not always possible. In those cases, our friendly staff will gladly assist you via email or phone. The nominal fees below will apply. Please note: A reasonable effort will be made to answer any fee-based requests. However, HSCC cannot guarantee research results.